Congratulations to those pupils who find themselves with 5 or more GCSEs at grade C or above. Afterall they have worked hard and achieved what the authorities consider to be the approved standard. In the past I have defended the GCSE but the exam brings doubts and misgivings for some. There is an accusation that such exams are not fit for purpose and that they do not assist young people to move into employment and higher education with any sense of ease.
There is also a statistical problem for old buffs like me, as well as researchers, and it seems as difficult as trying to square the circle. How come that back in the 50s only about 12% of pupils got 5 GCE O levels or more, yet today more than 60% of pupils pass what is deemed to be today's equivalent ?
Unless today's pupils are brighter [unlikely] can it be argued that 5 GCSEs at grade C are equivalent to five Grade 4 Passes at Certificate of Secondary Education [CSE] level? Afterall grade 4 in that old exam was deemed to be the average performance right across the board.
It is likely that the Conservative politician Michael Gove will change things fairly soon. I have met him, heard one of his speeches, and am sure that schools are in for more and more change, much of it very unsettling, whatever its merits.
So someone is having a laugh with that square and circle, but I am not sure who is paying the bill.
WB
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment